HC Deb 29 May 1946 vol 423 c1139
19. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many aircraft have been lost in bombing practices since the end of the war; and the number of such practices held.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Geoffrey de Freitas)

Fifteen large scale bombing exercises, in which 766 aircraft of Bomber Command and 82 aircraft of Fighter Command took part, have been carried out from the United Kingdom between VJ-Day and the end of April, 1946. No aircraft have been lost or have suffered major damage on these practices.

Mr. Shepherd

In view of the alarming and absolutely inaccurate statements which are going about the country, will the Under-Secretary see that that statement receives the widest publicity?

Mr. de Freitas

I hope that this Question and answer will receive the widest publicity.